Marble moves to correct pay equity issue

At Monday’s meeting of the Marble City Council, the city took steps to correct a pay equity issue that arose after the city hired a new employee.

The council approved a raise for a city library worker after it was discovered that the city was non-compliant with pay equity mandates. The issue came to light following state review of another city hire in a different department. State officials determined the library worker should be paid 95 percent of the new employee’s hourly wage, based on years of service. The move by the council will raise the wage from $16/hour to $20.35/hour. City Clerk Tracey Schwartz noted that the increase would have to be factored into the library budget for the upcoming year. Schwartz also said that the employee is willing to adjust her hours to help offset the wage increase.

• Heard from fire department that the new fire hall construction is going well

• Approved a motion to amend the city’s policy on repeat calls for service.

• Passed a motion to request a donation from the Pengilly Booster Club.

• Discussed the city’s 2015 budget. Schwartz said that due to several factors the city would likely need an increase of approximately 9 percent. The council passed a motion to set a preliminary 9 percent levy increase.

• Noted that demolition of the old city hall will take place in September.

• Approved the purchase of an auto scrubber in the amount of $3,675.00.

• Discussed animal control within the city. Dani Druse told the council that many small cities are contracting with the city of Grand Rapids for a monthly fee. Mayor David Lotti suggested Druse draw up a proposal for animal control services for council review.